Our brain is an engine that keeps working day and night, it gets close to zero rest and requires fuel to keep working which we shall provide to it in the form of food. Let’s take the example of a car, for a car it isn’t important how much diesel or petrol is put in it but rather what you put. Putting diesel in a petrol car will end up ruining the machinery and functioning of the car. Similarly, in order to focus, work and keep your motor skills working it is important to focus on what you eat. Because food is not only for the body and mind but your mood as well!

Notice how being hungry makes you grumpy and having a lot of junk food makes you develop a lazy frame of mind. It’s a lesser-known but prominent fact that our brain is about 2% of our total body weight and that we extract all the water from our brain and the residual nutrients like fatty acids, glucose and amino acids influence our mood. Based on food science, research shows that changes in one’s food habits or the course of one’s diet affects the brain structure chemically as well as physiologically resulting in mood fluctuations. Hence, Dietician Priyatama Srivastava who is the best dietician in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR has brought to you a well-researched and well-rounded explanation of how food and diet affect our food and wellbeing.

Food is one of the major reasons behind a happy smile and happy life, yet it is one of the least looked after aspects of our lives.

The effect of Carbs

Let us begin with Carbs, the most feared and talked about kind of food. There are 2 types of carbs-simple and complex and our body can easily break down the simple carbohydrates to give you instant energy. Simple carbs can be found in rice, banana, bread, etc. While many people talk about carbs being bad for the body they refer to simple carbs because they act as quick-burning fuels. As soon as simple carbs enter your body they increase the sugar level which is the reason you feel energetic. As time passes the insulin drops down making you feel lazy and irritated. Complex carbs, on the other hand, are more preferable as they increase your body insulin levels slowly. They can be found in brown rice, oats, sorghum, broccoli, etc. Complex carbs give you long term energy and don’t cause a spike in your mood as well. However, when carbs are eaten in moderation, they are no harm to the body but overeating carbs can affect your mental health and also make you feel lazy.

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The relation between proteins and hormones

Coming to another important aspect of food, proteins. Proteins consist of amino acids that are responsible for the functioning of your brain and also for the production of “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and melatonin which ensure proper sleep and wake up cycle, feelings and happiness.

Lack of happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin can make a person feel depressed, irritated and aggressive hence it is important to include protein in your diet through foods like dairy, nuts, soya, etc.

Research shows that fatty acids are good helping agents against depression-like disorders. Seeds like chia, sunflower, pumpkin and fish products as well as legumes are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. These foods help improve brain cells and sharpen as well as strengthen memory. When you begin your day with an antioxidant-rich food like nuts or banana your energy levels with sustain for the day in comparison to starting your day with caffeine that slows down your body alertness slowly.

One of the pieces of advice that Dietician Priyatama gives is to avoid processed and packaged food as they reduce the power of our cells. Not only are these foods harmful to the body but also cause mood swings and promote inflammation. However, it is advised that you don’t become food police and excessively control your food habits as Dietician Priyatama Srivastava – the best dietician in Gurgaon says “Moderation is key!”

Leaving you with a parting tip, in order to lead a stress-free and healthy life, it is important to adopt a simple diet and lifestyle modifications better known as a clean diet and hydrate your body along the way.

If you’re looking for the perfect diet plan that caters to your existing body conditions and helps you achieve your health goals, Dietician Priyatama Srivastava is your best bet at getting a diet plan that not only keeps you healthy but also saves you any underlying diseases or health conditions.